A spokeswoman for the family said: "Lord Attenborough's funeral will be a strictly private family funeral.

"The family have asked for no flowers but, if people wish, charitable donations can be made to Denville Hall, the care home where Lord Attenborough spent his final years."

He moved to the rest home for retired actors, in Northwood, north-west London, in 2008 and his widow still lives there.

News of his death sparked tributes from politicians, Hollywood stars and industry leaders.

Bafta described its former president as a "titan of British cinema" who set an example of "industry, skill and compassion" that business would do well to live up to.

Career highlights included Brighton Rock, where he played the psychopathic criminal Pinkie, the 1993 blockbuster Jurassic Park and Gandhi which he directed and which won eight Oscars including the best director award.

Jurassic Park director Steven Spielberg said: "Dickie Attenborough was passionate about everything in his life – family, friends, country and career."